Best of Tokyo
I can’t believe it’s been a year since I blogged. Last year has been a tough year of work, and I did not get much free time to process life, let alone writing.
It is my sixth year in Tokyo. Over the years, many people have asked me why I came and what I like about Japan (Tokyo). My usual answers are that I like the culture (it is quite different from the North American culture I grew up in), the weather (more sunny days than Vancouver), and the onsen. These are reasons that anyone can come up with. Tourists come to Tokyo for these same reasons. They are the right reasons but they are also boring reasons and do not give enough credit to the bustling and colourful megapolitan.
The Japanese way is a subtle one, and with six years under my belt, I have come to appreciate a bit of this way. Below are some less obvious reasons of why Tokyo is so great. Not everyone will agree with all the reasons — possibly only locals will nod and say “ahh….sou da ne”. At least they are not boring.
Trains and busses that are punctual, frequent, and covers most of the city
Quality onsen for under 2000yen.
Half-price sushi near closing time.
24-hour convenience stores within walking distance from home selling good oden, pasta, and sake.
100 yen stores that sell stuff that people actually need.
Free tissues hand-out.
Tatami floor in Izakaya’s.
Sakura in April.
Street musicians (some of them have more heart than talent, but some are quite good).
90 degree bows from the store staff after a purchase.
Takkyubin (Express couriers) that delivers up till 9pm.
Kimono on New Year’s, Yukata during fireworks.
and more, but that’s enough for one post. All the people say “ii ne”.